~ inspirational lazy days

Category Archives: Travel

I love walking along flea markets. There’s always the feeling that you just might find an oddity, a treasure, a diamond in the rough. I usually leave empty handed, just looking at the wares is a joy in itself. However, every once in awhile, it’s great to leave with something special.

While I rarely grab clothes from flea markets, I love browsing for bags because one can often find vintage bags which have a timeless quality about them.

Red vintage hobo

I scored this red vintage handbag from a flea market in Paris a couple of years ago. I love structured bags and this bag was really well made, durable and extremely versatile.

Tan shoulder bag

Strictly speaking, this was not a flea market find. I got it at the second hand store near my neighbourhood for $6 and this is probably one of my best finds ever. This bag was made in Rome and the quality of the leather is impeccable. This bag is perfect for city vacations and stores all my necessities for a day trip.

Do you guys like flea markets? Have you picked up any great second hand items that you would love to share about?

Travelling is undoubtedly a great deal of fun. Sometimes, by choice or by chance, some of us will wind up travelling on our own. This is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and be more independent. Personally, I have travelled alone to Moscow and Nice and they were both good experiences for me. However, it definitely helps to keep these ten tips in mind.

Choose to stay in a backpacker’s hostel

Part of the fun of travelling alone is meeting people from everywhere. Backpacker’s hostels are usually perfect places, because you will meet people who like yourself, are travelling alone and have great stories and travel tips to share.

Do your research

Travelling on your own, it’s always handy to learn about the destination before hand. Bring a good travel guide. In Moscow, I depended on my Lonely Planet for travel tips, information on key sights and directions.

Stay in safe places

For me, dangerous countries are a definite no-go, but even safe countries sometimes have bad neighbourhoods. I would advise keeping away from such areas. Besides, there’s usually not much for the average tourist there anyway.

Be open to new experiences

A different country has loads to offer. All sorts of food, sights and sounds. Try something that you usually wouldn’t do. For me, that was doing a seven-hour hike! Pretty gruelling, but fun nevertheless! And the view was worth every step.

View from Feldberg, Germany

Learn to deal with unnecessary attention

A friend and I were sharing how travelling on your own sometimes attract unwanted, male attention. Be polite, but firm. Pull out the “I have a boyfriend/ husband” card (real or imaginary) and that usually does the trick.

Plan your finances well

I sometimes read about people running out of money in the middle of trips. I honestly do not know how anyone would go on a trip without ensuring they had sufficient funds, but this is even more important when you are on your own without a travel companion to lend you some cash to tide you through.

Bring entertainment material

One of the down sides of travelling alone is the lack of a travel companion to chat with. Bring novels and put some music on your iPod to keep you company on those long train, bus or plane trips.

Pack light

As much as we’d love to have our entire wardrobe and make-up collection at our beck and call, the best thing you can do for yourself is to bring only what is essential. It’s no fun lugging huge luggage up a flight of stairs at the train station. Consider paring down your make-up routine while on vacation. Bring shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in, yet presentable enough for an evening out.

Combat loneliness

Perhaps the worst part of travelling alone is that loneliness can sometimes sink in. Combat this by packing your schedule with lots of fun activities so you don’t spend too much time feeling lonely. I find that buying thoughtful souvenirs for loved ones also helps fight loneliness.

Trust yourself

Travelling alone can be a scary experience. But have faith in yourself and have fun! Trust your gut instincts. Studies have shown that women have stronger intuition than men do. That’s a powerful advantage for any traveller!

For anyone who loves travelling (and shopping), buying a souvenir can often be a painstaking task. Personally, I love receiving souvenirs. However, it can be really difficult to find souvenirs that others would cherish.

For instance, as much as I am thankful that a good friend of mine remembered me on his trip to Australia, this “made-in-China” Australian kangaroo soft toy has been sitting in a drawer for years.

I also find it difficult to appreciate these magnet souvenirs

Some suggestions that I have for finding nice souvenirs that are actually representative of the country.

Handcrafted items

Pieces made by local artists

Functional items

I absolutely love this wooden hand-carved box that a senior bought for me from the Czech Republic. While not immediately representative of the country, an item that is lovely to behold and functional is always appreciated!

The quintessential Russian souvenir, I picked this hand-painted lacquer box for my mother from the Izmaylovo market in Moscow. Shopping for this in the sprawling arts & craft market filled with beautiful souvenirs of all kinds was a treat on its own!

One of my favourite souvenirs from a trip to China was this hand-painted card which I had framed. The panda is adorable and I love Chinese watercolours.

I know, Matryoshka dolls are terribly cliche but they were irresistable! I was spoilt for choice in Moscow with these dolls coming in all shapes, sizes colours and price ranges, but I finally settled on this set, which was really affordable at $4! These hand-painted dolls are great decorative items. I even purchased an identical set for my boyfriend.

These were some of my tips for getting a memorable souvenir, does anyone have a great souvenir to share about?

I have had a serious case of Wanderlust since I was in my teens. I always wanted to explore the world, though in recent years, I have been more focused on concentrating my wanderings in Asia and Europe.

Europe!

My boyfriend recently gifted me this map of Europe for me to dream about the places where I would like to go while I’m in Vienna. Though I’ve been to the continent several times, there are still a tonne of places where I’ve yet to visit though one place stands out more than others.

Santorini, Greece

Ever since a friend I met on exchange told me how beautiful the Greek islands were, I’ve really wanted to visit Greece! The colour scheme of blue and white looks so tranquil!